This year’s FAFSA, to be awarded during 2024-2025, will be undergoing major changes. The Free Application for Student Aid has been modified in an attempt to become more simplified; yet, some alterations to the application may prove unsympathetic to many students. For instance, the new calculator‒used to determine the amount of aid each student receives‒disregards the number of other family members attending college at the same time. This means the expected amount of money to come from parents and guardians will not be divided among each college student in a household; so much for “Sibling Discounts.” However, universities can take into account each applicant’s situation and give aid at their own discretion.

Furthermore, efforts to make the application process more secure may also contribute to its complexity. Now, anyone who is required to help fill out part of the form (like a parent or guardian) will also need to create their own FAFSA account. These contributors need their own FAFSA ID to act as signatures on the actual application. Additionally, now that the IRS can directly link to FAFSA’s income questions, the transfer requires consent from every single contributor who helped fill out the form. Of course, when it comes to security, it is better to be safe than sorry.

Overall, this update concerns all students, as filling out a financial aid application is a graduation requirement for all Chicago Public Schools students. Even though the FAFSA aims to be easier with fewer questions, and by introducing shortcuts for grants and income information, it is significant to understand how the application has changed. Remember, Seniors, fill out the form as soon as possible. As for everyone under the class of ‘24, consider these changes for when it is your turn to complete the FAFSA.